I want a lever gun

[Pitchnit]

But which one? I currently reload 45acp for a 1911 and .223/5.56 for an AR. I also just started casting 45 ACP with a LEE 452200. I like loading straight wall pistol ammo but the rifle is a bit more tedious. I'm considering a Rossi 92 in 45LC and would like to shoot light plinkers up to a heavier load. Not planning on hunting, just paper punching mostly and something to cast and reload for. How does the light and heavy load recoil compare to other guns, say a 22lr and a .223, since thats what I'm used to rifle wise? I want something that has alittle pop to it (reference .223). Instead of 45LC should I consider .44-40, 30-30, 45-70, .444 or something else that is cast and reloader friendly? Honest opinions welcome. Regards-Pitchnit

[JohnnyFlake]

Personally, I'd go with the .45 Colt. You can load them pretty aggressively for rife use, along the line of the so called Ruger Loads and they will give you a nice pop! It can do whatever you want, out to about 150yds.

If you want a bit more pop the 30-30 is a great all around cartridge and will do it all out to about the same 150yds, maybe even 200yds.

If you want a serious pop, nothing will beat the 45/70 in a lever gun!

[felix]

Any small case, with 35 caliber barrel, should be perfect. 38special,357mag,357max. Power with associated recoil would be 30-35,30rem,358winnie,35whelen. ... felix

[bruce drake]

Buy yourself the 19th Century Assault Rifle, a Winchester 1894 in 30-30. 6 in the tube, 1 in the pipe and you can reload the rifle very quickly and easily.
Recoil is fine, 30 caliber molds and brass are very plentiful and its easy to develop a full power load in cast boolits.

Bruce

[59sharps]

I like loading and shooting my 44-40 most. Only load it in BP. Mine is a 1860 henry. MY win 94 is in 32 spl only reload that for hunting. also have a Browning 81 in 358 win.

[MT Chambers]

45/70 because it is more versatile, it can be loaded down to .45 Colt's level or up to near .458 Mag. loads, bullets from 150 gr C.B. to 550 wfn and everything in between.

[GH1]

A lever chambered in .38/.357 is great fun. Virtually no recoil with .38 rounds, yet plenty powerful with .357's. Both the .38 and .357 are absolute joys to reload, lots of data and lots of components.
GH1

[Dan Cash]

I have a Rossi short rifle with a 24 or so inch barrel in .45 Colt. I wanted it as a companion piece to my .45 Colt SAA and S&W M25 so all loads were to be 240-250 gr. at 900fps more or less. This Rossi has a 1:32 inch twist and does poorly with these bullets at this velocity. I dropped back to a 200 grain wad cutter over 9.5 grain Unique. The rifle does better accuracy wise but nothing to brag about. I suppose if the bullets were steamed ala Ruger loads, it might be ok but I don't want to get that ammo mixed into my revolvers. As a result, there is no companion rifle for the revolvers so I just load a rifle for a companion.

The .45 Colt is easy to load for and recoil in a rifle will be from below a .223 in an AR to Ouch! depending on how hard you drive the bullet. A heavy .357 in a Rossi or Marlin will surprise you for recoil though it can hardly be called unpleasant.

A used Marlin 336 in .30-30 is an inexpensive way to get into cast rifle loading and is as easy to load for as the .45. A good mould producing something like the Lyman 311041 bullet (170 grain FP GC) over some slow powder like Reloadeer 19 or IMR 4350 will give you some accurate loads in the 1800-2100 fps range. You can load some dinky loads with fast powder like Unique but there is a great risk of a double charge with those kind of powders. Also, they can be position sensitive resulting in large velocity variations.

[Pitchnit]

Thanks for the quick reply. Is the rossi 92 45LC an all around disappointment in the accuracy dept such as Dan stated? I think my second choice would be a used30-30 but is it really as easy to reload as 45ACP? how is the accuracy in the .357or maybe a .44. Any more comments appreciated. Still making up my mind. Regards-Pitchnit

[Gtek]

"I WANT A LEVER GUN" Has anyone told him they are like potato chips. Go on and try just one, he-he. I tried one a long time ago, now a long row of them moved into my house. You have any Bud's with one or the other, buy the shells, lunch, etc. and go for test drives. If you have an outdoor range anywhere near 99% of us will hand it to you and let you run a tube off. Gtek

[colt1960]

I just bought my lever gun about 3 months ago. I chose a marlin 1895gbl in 45/70. If I could do it all over again I would'nt do it any different. I bought 3 boxes of winchester 300gn. hollow points and now have a ranch dog 460-425 mold for reloading. You can shoot a large and small bullets fast or slow. What ever you need it for it will handle the job! Rick.

[TXGunNut]

All of the above! 45 Colt is very versatile and the thutty-thutty has stolen the heart of most every poster here. The 38-357 makes tons of sense and the 38-40 and 44-40 keep the traditionalists happy. And then there's the 45-70.....ooooooohhhh, baby what a thumper!
Somehow we missed .22's, still saving room in the safe for a good one. Hard to go wrong with a lever gun. 8-)

[runfiverun]

i have everything on your list but the 444.
you need to be very picky when looking at the newer rossi's [in name only now] the customer is the final inspector.
i passed on three when i got my 357.
that was right at the changeover so i'm sure i ended up with a true rossi.
taurus has thier own ideas about bbl diameters too ,like 432,454 etc.

[geargnasher]

The "potato chip" comment was quite accurate.

Gear

[monge]

45-70 they love cast boolits!

[TXGunNut]

The "potato chip" comment was quite accurate.

Gear

Let's not scare him off. Once he gets a half-dozen or so we can tell him about the 32-20's, 25-35's and all the other cool leverguns.

[725]

+1 for GH1's observations. The lever .357 (.38's too) would fill your requirements admirably.

[hightime]

I think it would make a good plinker. My 45 Colt works too. 30-30,45-70 not so much. Good for hunting though.
Try them all.

Owen

[TXGunNut]

Lemme see, a 45 Colt; two 30-30's, a .32 Spl, 35 Rem, 375 Win, 45-70.....hope I didn't miss any but there's always room for one more. Next one will be a 22, or mebbe a 44-40, or mebbe......

[Bullet Caster]

I've got a Winchester Mod 94AE in .45 Colt. It's a very fun gun to shoot. Only thing I don't like about it is the short 16" bbl. I got it on a trade for a Ruger BH convertible. Wish I had the Ruger back. BC

[Pitchnit]

I do have a '54 Marlin 39A w Ballard rifling that I picked up from an older gentleman at the range I belong to last year. He was going to teach his grandchildren with it but their parents became anti's and wouldn't even let the grandkids to come to the house with it there. My 22 yr old son just loves it (me too) so I'm looking to kick it up a notch. I let a younger man and his 9 and 11 shot it some a couple weeks ago. The 11 yr old gave me one of the biggest smiles I have ever seen and made my day. I hope i get to teach my grandkids dont have any quite yet but my daughter is getting married this weekend and I think the older son (26) is not far from making the leap also. I enjoy the comments, Regards - Pitchnit

[Pitchnit]

Forgot to ad in the last post, I shot a Winchester .32-20 (I think he said) that the gentleman had loaded for a black bear hunt he had coming up. A really nice condition old gun. It had a quite a punch to it. I wasnt really ready for it and it actually suprised me. Boy, those are kinda pricey.

[Lonegun1894]

I have Rossi's in .357 and .45 Colt, and both usually group 1.5-2.5" at 100yds with handloads. 4" on a bad day when I can't get things right. Can't speak for the .44 yet, but the .357 and .45 won't disappoint you if they're still building them the way they built mine. Those two are plenty powerful for anything that I need to hunt in Texas even though i have more powerful and flatter shooting calibers. The .45 isn't bad, but the .357 is just cheap to shoot as far as powder/lead go. If thosedont sound quite like what you want, the .30-30 is great too and good out to 200+yds with a good shooter, but it recoils more than your .223 with full power loads. The .45-70 as has been mentioned is just in a league of its own as far as what it can do. Mine is a singleshot, but it can be loaded from mild to wild and accuracy is about like a friends Marlin, I just wanted the single so I wouldn't have to worry about AOL for cycling with heavy bullets. There's so many great calibers that you will eventually end up with several anyway. I honestly would recommend either the .357 or .45 if you want a pistol caliber, and the .30-30 if a rifle caliber for your first one. Can't go wrong with any of those, and they will do the majority of what needs doing while not breaking the bank punching paper.

[pmer]

A 357 lever action is just plain fun IMO too. I'm shooting 38 spl through metal I never would of guessed it could punch a hole through. Mine is 16" Rossi of early vintage. I can't beleive I tried to sell it a couple months ago, glad I came to my senses. :)

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/imagehosting/thum_175404fa9eff7047b8.jpg (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=5117) http://castboolits.gunloads.com/imagehosting/thum_175404fa9f05256927.jpg (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=5120)

Here is a 162 grain WC that was caught by some sheet metal fired from a 38 spl case.

[Lead Fred]

I sold both my Winnie 94 & Marlin 30-30s. Bought a Marlin 1895 45/70.
I have no regrets.

I would not buy a Rossi, unless every last Marlin was gone.

[hightime]

They all can be good. I don't think I'd only want my Marlins. Actually my 99 Savage might be the best. Savage, Henry, Marlin, Uberti, Winchester, Sharps, Evans, Spencer, Colt Burgess. The world is full of good ones.

Owen

[olafhardt]

In the past ammo shortage Wally World always had 30/30 & 44 mag.Everything else was hit or miss including 22 lr around here.I don`t have any need for the same caliber combination.In my Rossi full 357 loads kicked like a 30/30. I shoot my marlin 22lever for fun and cheap too.My favorite cf lever ls the winchester 94 made in 30/30 in the late 70's.These are my opinions, YMMV. I like levers but I can trade or sell them with little regret.

[1bluehorse]

deleted..

[1bluehorse]

deleted..


Redo..This is my Wife's 357 Rossi. She's had it for about 5 years and I still can't find anything wrong with it...very accurate little rifle..well the da*& picture won't come up so you'll just have to take my word for it......

[1Papalote]

I cast for and shoot the most for Marlins in 357, 45 Colt and 38-55. I did not see anyone mention the 38-55??? My 336 CB 38-55 delivers little groups and KILLS clays on the 100 yard backstop. The bullet is easy to cast and easy to load.

The 45 Colt would be another good choice. The early gun makers missed a big opportunity by not chamber the 45 Colt in a rifle. My 1894CB X 24" shoots small groups and doubles well as a woods carry gun, taking many deer with 10 grs Unique and Lee 255.

The 357 is inexpensive to shoot, easy to cast and may be the least expensive Marlin to procure.

1Papalote

[jlchucker]

Everybody needs at least one 30-30. It doesn't hurt to supplement your yearnings with some of the other recommendations the guys have made, either--but a 30-30 is an American tradition. It wasn't too long ago when every pickup truck on nearly every back road had a 30-30, either Marlin or Winchester, hanging on a rack in the back window, almost perpetually.

[Centaur 1]

My vote is for the 30-30. I have a Marlin 336ss, and I'm ordering a Rossi Rio Grande one day this week. I've allways been a big fan of Marlin levers, but from what I hear the Rossi shoots cast boolits well. It also has rifling that's 1-12", the slower twist rate should work well with my Ranch Dog mold. Someday I'd like to buy a different caliber or two, but for right now it makes economic sense to get a caliber that I already cast and load for.

[Kragshooter]

2nd & 3rd the 30-30, love casting for it and loading it. Gave my 336 to grandson but still have my ole Win.94. I use Unique for pot shooting and H-335 or Varget for hunting loads.

[EDK]

John Taffin said something to the effect that "a 357 magnum lever gun is the third most useful firearm you'll own...first and second are a 22 Long Rifle rifle and pistol." I am a 44 magnum fan and probably shoot 80%+ 44s; 15% 357 and 5% 22 Long Rifle. My 30/30 and 45/70 lever guns don't get a lot of range time since I have gotten interested in M1As and AR15 type rifles.

You didn't mention what kind of reloading press you use for .223 and 45 ACP, but the pistol calibers on a DILLON 550B are a lot better for volume production than rifle calibers. I finally broke down and got .223 dies for my 550B and the conversion parts for .308 and 30/30...I've got a lot of brass to load. I may even try cast in the .223 later this year, but I want the loads to function in semi auto.

45 COLT specifications can be a hassle and horror stories abound. Once fired brass is a lot harder to find and more expensive than 357 or 44.

:redneck::cbpour::guntootsmiley:

[MBTcustom]

I like 35 remington. At the top end it's still inside the cast boolit easy to load threshold (less than 2400FPS) but it can be loaded down to .357 velocities if that sparks your fancy. It is the all around lever cartridge IMHO.

[troy_mclure]

I have a win 94 in .30wcf and a marlin 336sc in .35 rem. I much prefer the marlin over the Winchester, the marlin is just handier, and points and shoulders better. I prefer shooting the .30wcf over the .35rem tho, it's much more pleasant to shoot.
A gentleman at my range has a marlin 336 in .444, he loads it from .44rus to .45/70 loads. A very versatile cartridge.

[Dorf]

Just one? NO way-- the're worse than potato chips--bad habit-- run while you can! You've been warned. I started with one, a M94 in .32Win Spl, in 1950, still have it. It's been joined by two .30 WCFs and the slickest of all, a .22 Henry. It's an unbreakable habit!!!!

[durant7]

Well, I guess I would ask, what do you want to do with the gun after you have figured out how to load an accurate round? I love the process of sorting out a bullet mould, sizing, load, crimp and then showing a nice group on paper. But after that, what else is there to do? IMO, silhouette or "steel slamming" is a great way to take the next step with your new 'well sorted' lever gun. Based on the AR and 1911, two common competitive tools to use at one's club, I would guess you are using them in some manner of competition. Do you want a safe queen (yes, I have them) or do you want something to shoot?

I have made my 30-30 a safe queen because I can shoot my 44 Rem Mag in both Pistol Cartridge Silhouette (100m ram 1/2 size c. 14 lbs) and Cowboy Lever Action (200y ram full size c. 50 lbs). One gun for two silhouette venues. And it is an amazingly accurate bullet. Guys with 45LCs have a much longer journey to figure out how to a) hit the 200y ram and b) knock it over. 44 Rem mag was very simple to figure out. Yes, I would love a 32-20 and all those other cartridges. But I am enjoying the "one gun, shoot it really well" mode right now and the search of an accurate and powerful load was not too difficult.

[Wayne Smith]

Forgot to ad in the last post, I shot a Winchester .32-20 (I think he said) that the gentleman had loaded for a black bear hunt he had coming up. A really nice condition old gun. It had a quite a punch to it. I wasnt really ready for it and it actually suprised me. Boy, those are kinda pricey.

That was almost certainly not a 32-20, no "quite a punch" with that round and especially not a bear round. Probably you shot a 32-40 or a 32 Win. Special.

The 32-20 is a very nice round, rabbit to small deer at close range type of round. Not a lot of recoil, you can shoot it all day. It's definitely a reloader round and very definitely a cast boolit round. The advantage of the 30-30 is ammo is available everywhere. Ditto the 38/357 or the 44Mag. If you get something like a 32-20 or 44-40 go ahead and buy 500 rounds of Starline brass and a couple of molds and you will be set.

[bearcove]

I like 35 remington. At the top end it's still inside the cast boolit easy to load threshold (less than 2400FPS) but it can be loaded down to .357 velocities if that sparks your fancy. It is the all around lever cartridge IMHO.

+1 but not as easy to load for as a 92 clone in 357. Both will do the same job.

Neither good choice past paper or deer.

[1bluehorse]

Redo..This is my Wife's 357 Rossi. She's had it for about 5 years and I still can't find anything wrong with it...very accurate little rifle..well the da*& picture won't come up so you'll just have to take my word for it...... Found It !!!!!!

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg23/ruger45s/Rossi.jpg

[MBTcustom]

+1 but not as easy to load for as a 92 clone in 357. Both will do the same job.

Neither good choice past paper or deer.
Pardon my naivety, but I was under the impression that a .35 caliber,250 grain slug, traveling at 1900FPS would be good medicine for anything in North America, including bear and moose. .357 magnum cant touch that by about 1000 FPS.
30-30 cant come close to the delivered energy of the 35Remington.
The only lever calibers that start to beat the 35Remington start with a "4" (as in 444Marlin, 45-70, etc etc.)
Now the one cartridge I would say that could probably beat the 35rem is the 356Winchester, witch is a very close cousin to my favorite caliber of all time, the 358 winchester, but brass is even harder to find for 356 than it is for the 35rem, so 35rem gets my vote.

Add to this a specific piece of information that I know about a certain 35 cal boolit. I have a Lyman 358318. That boolit is not the most accurate thing in the world, but it has this horrible habit of tumbling when it hits! (at least is does for me going 2000 FPS, contacting deer sized animals) You go and shoot a deer with that load, and the speed with witch it is dispatched will shock you. I would not hesitate to shoot a bear or an elk, or any large animal with that setup.
In case you dont know what I mean by tumbling, I mean the boolit goes in strait, but it turns sideways after it hits causing massive damage, and large exit wounds.
Observe:
http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l481/goodsteel/Photo12281234.jpg

[Ed in North Texas]

45/70 because it is more versatile, it can be loaded down to .45 Colt's level or up to near .458 Mag. loads, bullets from 150 gr C.B. to 550 wfn and everything in between.

I might have missed a comment about this, but to be on the safe sideL

What was said about the .45-70 cartridge is true, BUT anyone deciding to have a .45-70 as their first lever rifle might not do much reloading yet.

That person should understand that the loads which are "...near .458 Mag. loads..." are definitely not intended, nor are they safe, in a .45-70 lever rifle. The loads listed in loading manuals for the modern lever action rifles are much stouter than the Trapdoor Springfield loads, but not in the Ruger #1, #3, or Miroku made Browning/Winchester 1885 league (and in the #3 you won't shoot many at that level).

Like I said - being on the safe side with that.

Ed

[Char-Gar]

I would pick a good 30-30 for my first cast bullet levergun. The only thing better would be a 32 Winchester Special, if you can find one. But, be warned, if you start with a 32 WS, it will spoil you for all others.

[9.3X62AL]

Very difficult to argue against a 30-30 WCF levergun as a first cast boolit hunting rifle. Cast #311041s as softpoints, load to full potential, and go make venison.

The 35 Remington is more of the same, just 25% more bullet weight and striking energy.

The 45-70 in a Marlin or 86 Winchester can humanely take on the biggest and nastiest that North America has to offer.

None of these are ultra-long-range systems. If you want some ranging ability in a levergun, the Win 95 in 30-06 might be indicated.

[Ed in North Texas]

snip
None of these are ultra-long-range systems. If you want some ranging ability in a levergun, the Win 95 in 30-06 might be indicated.

.300 Savage or .308 Win in a Savage 99.

Ed

[1bluehorse]

Now here's my "opinion",granted it would be hard to beat the venerable 30wcf for a "first" or even an only lever gun. But, the best Levers to come down the pike are the new Marlin 308 express and 338 express. I'm not a great fan of the "regular" Marlins, they're o.k., good guns, but nothing special. The express models however are something special. Hopefully they will start becoming available again. I think there may be a few 308's about but good luck finding a 338express. Here's a couple pictures of my 308mxlr and Bisley BH 45colt.

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg23/ruger45s/Marlin002.jpghttp://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg23/ruger45s/Marlin001.jpg

[bearcove]

[QUOTE=goodsteel;1714261]Pardon my naivety, but I was under the impression that a .35 caliber,250 grain slug, traveling at 1900FPS would be good medicine for anything in North America, including bear and moose. .357 magnum cant touch that by about 1000 FPS.
30-30 cant come close to the delivered energy of the 35Remington.
The only lever calibers that start to beat the 35Remington start with a "4" (as in 444Marlin, 45-70, etc etc.)
Now the one cartridge I would say that could probably beat the 35rem is the 356Winchester, witch is a very close cousin to my favorite caliber of all time, the 358 winchester, but brass is even harder to find for 356 than it is for the 35rem, so 35rem gets my vote.

Add to this a specific piece of information that I know about a certain 35 cal boolit. I have a Lyman 358318. That boolit is not the most accurate thing in the world, but it has this horrible habit of tumbling when it hits! (at least is does for me going 2000 FPS, contacting deer sized animals) You go and shoot a deer with that load, and the speed with witch it is dispatched will shock you. I would not hesitate to shoot a bear or an elk, or any large animal with that setup.
In case you dont know what I mean by tumbling, I mean the boolit goes in strait, but it turns sideways after it hits causing massive damage, and large exit wounds. End Quote.) REMOVED PICTURE[smilie=s:

Yes you can load the 35 rem to be an all-purpose round. I love mine. For elk its ok but most of the places you can get a tag you need to be able to make a 300 yard shot.Or you will take a big chance of not filling that tag on that VERY expensive hunt. I'm here in NM and it costs me $1000 to go hunting on a tag I draw as a resident. Thats if your honest and add up all the costs.

But it is not a "good" choice if you "plan" on using the rifle beyond the 300lb deer size game. In ideal brodside shots it will kill anything. But looking at a bull moose or a bear I would feel much better with a 358 win or 45-70. Been there, done that.

Sometimes a moose or bear doesn't give you a choice. Sometimes its a poor angled shot or get stomped.

I am more on your side than the mainstream Ak guide who considers a 375 H&H minimal.

[MBTcustom]

Yes you can load the 35 rem to be an all-purpose round. I love mine. For elk its ok but most of the places you can get a tag you need to be able to make a 300 yard shot.
Of course you are right. I was merely referring to its ability >150 yards away. It is by nature a close range weapon, but most lever guns are, unless you start looking at the browning BLR's.
I admit that I discounted the guns that 1bluehorse mentions. I would love to have one of those in 338, but I'm afraid its a "fad cartridge" that will be very hard to find brass for in the future.

[bearcove]

If you look at the picture you ask us to observe please note how small that deer is. Looks like a 100 lb dressed. Imagine a 1000lb bull moose or a 400-800lb bear that is much harder to knock down. Stomping towards you as you call it in that moose doesn't stop and turn sideways and say "OK here's an easy shot"

I stand by my statement that a 35 Rem is a "good" choice for deer. I will include lower 48 black bear in that category.

(Typing while you posted above)

[bearcove]

Of course you are right. I was merely referring to its ability >150 yards away. It is by nature a close range weapon, but most lever guns are, unless you start looking at the browning BLR's.
I admit that I discounted the guns that 1bluehorse mentions. I would love to have one of those in 338, but I'm afraid its a "fad cartridge" that will be very hard to find brass for in the future.

338 is a dud. It will die. Buy every one you come across they will be collectable.

Take a 35 Rem and rechamber to 356 rimless. More better.

In my not humble opinion.

[MBTcustom]

Also, bear in mind that I live in Arkansas. Our bears are pint-sized just like our deer. The 35Rem is a very appreciated bear cartridge here, but might be under-powered for a place like where you (bearcove) are from. Also, just 'cause you can, doesn't mean you should (shoot at large animals with a 35 that is.)
I just recomended it because it trumps the 30-30 soundly in every department except brass availability (although, it aint that hard to find), it is easier to load and cast for, and if he ever wants to do the paper patch thing; its easier than a 30 cal.

[1bluehorse]

338 is a dud. It will die. Buy every one you come across they will be collectable.

Take a 35 Rem and rechamber to 356 rimless. More better.

In my not humble opinion.

You may be right on the Marlin Expresses, be a darn shame though..the 338 with a 200gr bullet is a ballistic twin to the venerable 06' with a 180. BUT in a lever gun. Very accurate too I might add. I'd sure buy a 338 Marlin if I could find one for sale...Another great choice is the BLR in 358win, pretty darn good ballistics but more recoil..

[OverMax]

Winchester Model 94 Standard Lever Action 44 Mag or the Legacy model in 44 Mag Hello to all: I think this is my first post and I'm happy to be here.
Just my opinion Pitchnit. As you've said your application for this new rifle would be used primarily for target practice. And since you are already accustom to casting and reloading handgun boolits. My suggestion would be to look into one of the rifle models I've listed between the "quote" marks. As you know the 44 Mag is a very versatile cartridge and has a wide spectrum for reloading. The plus side to your choice of either model Winchester. Now or perhaps in the near future may show value as a collectible long gun. What ever your decision in choice be it a Winchester or other brand. "Enjoy that new Lever Action Rifle yours."_:)

[9.3X62AL]

.300 Savage or .308 Win in a Savage 99.

Ed

Thanks for the wake-up call, Ed!

Welcome aboard, Overmax!

[Ed in North Texas]

Thanks for the wake-up call, Ed!

Welcome aboard, Overmax!

I try. SWMBO insists it is "trying". The .308 is a bit too new for me, but I do love my .300 (and my '39 .250).

Ed

[monge]

at short ranges 45-70 are the ticket 100-150 yards cast boolits at moderate speeds good accuracy and great stopping power in a lever. 308m -338m are great rounds but hard to cast for and are anemic at slower speeds. My two cents!

[TXGunNut]

Just saw about a dozen Marlin 336W's @ my local Cabelas, even a few 1895's. Even saw one used 336 w/ REP on the barrel but no markings on the left side, NY or CT. Good to see new Marlins back on the rack, always worth considering.

[bearcove]

You may be right on the Marlin Expresses, be a darn shame though..the 338 with a 200gr bullet is a ballistic twin to the venerable 06' with a 180. BUT in a lever gun. Very accurate too I might add. I'd sure buy a 338 Marlin if I could find one for sale...Another great choice is the BLR in 358win, pretty darn good ballistics but more recoil..

If I thought they would support it with reasonable priced and available brass I would buy one.

I have seen three or four rifles. AND TWO boxes of ammo and they were $40.00

[Bedell]

I reload more .45 Colt than any other caliber.

[Bill*]

Welcome to the zoo Bedell

[MBTcustom]

zoo Bedell
You did what to that chicken?

[Pitchnit]

Well this discussion really has narrowed things down.

Seriously, I went on vacation about 10 days ago and came back to see this thread was still going. GREAT! I'm in no hurry, So I am enjoying the discussion. Keep it going. Regards Pitchnit

[MasS&W]

I have a 336 in .35 remington, very versatile cartridge. You can download it for cans and plinking, and then hot load it to 2000 foot pounds for deer, elk, and moose. Its like having a .38, .357, and a .357 maximum all in one!

[Defcon-One]

Marlin 1894 SS in .44 Mag/.44 Spcl.

Easy to load for, soft loads to solid power loads. Side ejection. Very accurate. Out performs the .45 Colt yet can be loaded to practically duplicate its function/ballistics. Brass is cheaper, easier to find and holds up better to loading. .45 LC brass is in high demand because of cowboy action shooting and it is too thin to hold up well.

This is what I do! A 200 gr. round nosed flat point bevel based in medium power loads. Lots of fun and inexpensive to shoot!

[JesterGrin_1]

I am sorry I am not a Fan of the Marlin in .44 Mag. I think they are Ok for a brush gun. But do not expect hunting ammo to do better than 2 1/2 groups at 100 yards.

If you really wish to hear some bad language about the Marlin .44 Mag ask 44Man lol.

I would lean towards the 38Sp/357 Mag, 30-30,35 rem, or jump from the 357 to the 45-70.

[GabbyM]

Just bought a Winchester 94 AE a few weeks ago. So I suppose I'm biased.
Not the first 30-30 I’ve operated. You can shoot plain based bullets to similar velocity as PB bullets in the pistol calibers. Once you go to gas checked boolit’s the 30-30 gives you a lot more rifle. One of our favorite plinking and light hunting loads is the Saeco 150 grain FP over 16.0 grains of 2400. Little girls can shoot that load and it’s economical and clean.
In this 1-12” twist Win 94 I’m going to try a charge of Hodgdon Leverevolution under the 150 grain bullet and see if 2,400 fps will shoot accurate. 180 and 200 gain bullets at a bit over 2,000 fps are a given shooter and that is a reduced load that’s’ easy on brass and far exceeds trajectory and power of the 357 and 44 mag while using less lead. Even the light 2400 load is as much power as a maxed out 357 magnum rifle. You’ll have far more range and better retained energy with a 30 caliber bullet over the 357’s or 44’s.

That said a 38 Special carbine and a couple of Smith & Wesson K frame revolvers is as good a recipe for fun as any plinker could ask for.

[wilded]

I have 30-30 and .45 Winchester 94 rifles and both are nice. I recently picked up an octagon barrel model 92 Rossi in 38/.357and was leery of the gun because of some of the reviews I had read on the net. After a short break in and letting the lever and trigger wear a little it has become my carry rifle in the pickup at the place. With 38 special it is fine for getting rid of vermin and predators at the ranges I see them in the Central Texas Hill country. It is cheap to reload for and cast boolits shoot very accurately. If I need more power I just stick in a .357. I have killed several feral hogs and a couple of Texas whitetails with it and have no complaints. It is also a plus that I often wear a single action in 38/357 and ammo goes in either gun. JMHO

[Jailer]

I might have missed a comment about this, but to be on the safe sideL

What was said about the .45-70 cartridge is true, BUT anyone deciding to have a .45-70 as their first lever rifle might not do much reloading yet.


Ed

.45-70 was (and is) my first lever rifle and I've been doing just fine with it.


at short ranges 45-70 are the ticket 100-150 yards cast boolits at moderate speeds good accuracy and great stopping power in a lever. 308m -338m are great rounds but hard to cast for and are anemic at slower speeds. My two cents!

You'd be surprised what you can do at longer ranges with a 45-70. Even at moderate speeds a big heavy bullet still has quite a bit of energy down range. Once you figure out the holdover your golden.

I think my next lever rifle is going to be a Marlin 357 for some plinking fun. I like the looks of the 1895CSS. I've got a thing for stainless guns. If they only offered it with a laminate stock it would be perfect.